The B-1/B-2 visa is a temporary visa that permits individuals to visit the United States for a limited duration, extendable up to six (6) months with valid justification.

Eligibility for B-1 Visa (Business):

• Purpose: Engaging in business activities, such as negotiating contracts, attending meetings, or participating in educational training.
• No Gainful Employment: Activities must not involve local employment or remuneration from a U.S. source.
• Temporary Stay: Intent to stay for a specific, temporary period.
• Sufficient Funds: Demonstrating adequate financial resources to cover expenses during the stay.
• Strong Ties: Providing evidence of ties to the home country, such as family, employment, or property ownership.

Eligibility for B-2 Visa (Tourism):

• Purpose: Tourism, vacation, visiting family or friends, medical treatment, or participation in social events.
• Temporary Stay: Planning to remain in the U.S. for a temporary period.
• Financial Means: Showing sufficient funds to support oneself during the visit.
• Home Country Ties: Providing documentation indicating strong ties to the home country and intent to return after the visit.

Application Process:

• Applicants must complete Form DS-160 and schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
• They need to provide supporting documents, including a valid passport, evidence of the purpose of the visit (such as business invitations or tourism plans), and proof of ties to the home country.
• Legal assistance can streamline the application process, ensuring compliance with requirements and maximizing the chances of visa approval.

Navigating the B-1/B-2 visa process requires careful planning and adherence to U.S. immigration regulations. For expert guidance tailored to your specific situation, contact our firm today. We are committed to helping clients successfully obtain visas for business or tourism purposes while ensuring compliance with all applicable laws.

The F-1 visa is designed for individuals seeking to pursue academic studies in the United States at an accredited institution, such as college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program. At our law firm, we specialize in guiding students through the complexities of the F-1 visa process to ensure they meet all requirements and successfully obtain their visas.

Eligibility for F-1 Visa:

• Enrollment in Academic Program: Applicants must have been accepted into a full-time academic program at a U.S. school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
• Non-immigrant Intent: They must demonstrate their intent to return to their home country upon completion of studies.
• Financial Support: Applicants must show proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs for the duration of their studies.
• Academic Preparation: They should possess the academic qualifications necessary for admission to the program.

Application Process:

• Prospective students must first obtain a Form I-20 from the U.S. educational institution they plan to attend, which certifies their eligibility for an F-1 visa.
• Pay SEVIS fee online.
• They then complete Form DS-160, if they are outside of the U.S., and schedule a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. If the applicant is in the U.S. then change of status to F-1 student can be done by filing Form I-539.
• Supporting documentation, including a valid passport, Form I-20, proof of financial support, and evidence of academic qualifications, must be submitted.

Employment:
F-1 students are generally restricted from off-campus employment during their first academic year but may engage in on-campus employment under specific conditions. Following the initial academic year, they become eligible for several forms of off-campus employment, including Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT) either pre-completion or post-completion, and the STEM OPT Extension.

Additionally, F-1 students facing severe economic hardship may qualify for off-campus work authorization on a case-by-case basis. All off-campus employment opportunities must align with the student's field of study and receive prior authorization from the Designated School Official managing the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and from USCIS before commencement.

For personalized support and expert guidance on obtaining an F-1 student visa, contact our firm today. We are dedicated to helping students achieve their educational aspirations in the U.S. while adhering to immigration laws and regulations.

The O visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics to work in the United States.

Categories:

• O-1A: Individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, or athletics. Examples of those who are eligible for this visa include, but are not limited to: Business executives, professors with pioneering publications, researchers with patents, or athletes with significant accomplishments, or others.

• O-1B: Individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, including television and motion pictures. Any field of creative activity or endeavor qualifies, such as, fine arts, culinary arts, visual arts, and performing arts. Examples of those who are eligible for this visa include, but are not limited to: Painters, Directors, Actors, Makeup Artists, Hairstylist, Architects, Writers, Designers, Producers, Singers, Animators, Coaches, Special Effects Artists, Mural Artists, Tattoo Artists, Photographers, Chefs, etc.

Eligibility:

• Must demonstrate extraordinary ability through sustained national or international acclaim.
• Must be coming to the United States to continue work in the area of extraordinary ability.

Requirements:

• Evidence of extraordinary ability, such as awards, publications, media coverage, and testimonials.
• Employment contract, agreement, or other evidence of work in the field.

Duration: Initial stay of up to three years, with the possibility of indefinite extensions.

Application Process: Requires filing Form I-129 with USCIS, along with extensive supporting documentation proving eligibility and compliance with visa requirements. O visa is eligible for Premium Processing and can be adjudicated within 15 calendar days.

As former USCIS adjudicators of O visas, we have an in-depth experience how to prepare a strong O visa case. If you have any questions, please complete our online inquiry form or schedule a consultation.

The P visa is designed for athletes, entertainers, and artists coming to the US to perform, teach, or participate in cultural exchange programs.

Categories: There are several subcategories:

• P-1: Internationally recognized athletes and entertainment groups.
• P-2: Artists and entertainers involved in reciprocal exchange programs.
• P-3: Culturally unique artists and entertainers participating in culturally unique programs.

Eligibility:

• Individuals or groups must be internationally recognized for their achievements in their field.
• Must have an employer, a sponsor or agent to file a petition on their behalf.

Requirements:

• Provide evidence of international recognition, such as awards, nominations, critical reviews, or other evidence.
• Show a sustained and substantial career in their field.
• Submit detailed itineraries, contracts, and supporting documentation to demonstrate the nature of the event or program.

Duration: Initial stay varies depending on the subcategory and can be extended as necessary to complete the event, performance, or program. Initial stay for individual athletes can be up to 5 years. For artists and entertainment groups – for the duration of their contract or tour, up to 1 year, with possibilities of extension.

Application Process: Requires filing Form I-129 with USCIS, along with supporting evidence and documentation demonstrating eligibility and compliance with visa requirements. P visa is eligible for Premium processing and can be adjudicated within 15 calendar days.

As former USCIS adjudicators of P visas, we have an in-depth experience how to prepare a strong P visa case. If you have any questions, please complete our online inquiry form or schedule a consultation.

The E-2 visa is for investors of treaty countries and employees of treaty countries seeking to start or manage a business in the United States.

Eligibility:

• Applicant must be a national of a treaty country with the United States.
• Must have invested or be in the process of investing a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide enterprise in the US.

Investment Requirement:

• The investment must be substantial, with no set minimum, but generally significant enough to ensure the success of the enterprise.
• Funds must be at risk and committed to the business.

Business Management:

• Investor must have a more than 50% interest in the enterprise.
• Must be actively involved in the management or operation of the business.

Duration: Initially granted for up to two years, with extensions available as long as the business remains operational and meets E-2 visa requirements.

Application Process: Requires filing Form DS-160 and attending an interview at a US embassy or consulate, along with providing extensive documentation proving investment and business viability. Alternatively, if already in the US, applicants can file Form I-129 with USCIS, along with supporting evidence and documentation demonstrating eligibility and compliance with visa requirements. E visa is eligible for Premium processing and can be adjudicated within 15 calendar days.

To determine if you qualify for E-2, please contact our firm today. Our experienced immigration attorneys are ready to help you navigate the application process and ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.

The L visa is designed for multinational companies to transfer employees from foreign offices to the United States.

Categories:
L-1A: For executives or managers transferring to manage an organization or major function within the company. Examples of those who are eligible for this visa include, but are not limited to:

• CEO of a corporation transferring to oversee a new division in the United States.
• Vice President of Operations relocating to manage the US branch.
• Regional Manager moving to direct the expansion of business operations in the United States.
• Director of Marketing transferred to implement strategies for the US market.
• Manager of Technology relocating to lead a team in developing new products for the US market.

L-1B: For employees with specialized knowledge essential to the company's operations. Examples of those who are eligible for this visa include, but are not limited to:

• Software Engineer with specialized knowledge of proprietary systems transferring to provide technical support to a US branch.
• Research Scientist with expertise in specific laboratory techniques relocating to conduct research at a US facility.
• Financial Analyst with specialized knowledge of international markets moving to support financial operations of a US subsidiary.
• Marketing Specialist with unique knowledge of consumer preferences in foreign markets transferring to develop marketing campaigns for US operations.
• Engineer with specialized knowledge of manufacturing processes relocating to improve efficiency at a US production facility.

Eligibility:

• Must have been employed by the overseas company for at least one continuous year within the past three years.
• Position in the US must be in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge role.

Company Requirements:

• Must have a qualifying relationship with the US company, such as parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate.
• Both companies (US and foreign) must continue to conduct business during the employee's stay in the United States.

Duration: L-1A visa holders can stay initially for one year if establishing a new office, or three years otherwise. Extensions are granted in increments of up to 2 years. Maximum stay is limited to seven years for L-1A and for up to five years for L-1B visas.

Application Process: Requires filing Form I-129 with USCIS, along with extensive documentation proving the employee's eligibility, the relationship between the US and foreign company, and compliance with visa requirements. L visa is eligible for Premium processing and can be adjudicated within 15 calendar days.

To determine if you qualify for L visa, please contact our firm today. Our experienced immigration attorneys are ready to help you navigate the application process and ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.

The H-1B visa is for specialty occupation workers coming to the United States to perform services in a specialty occupation.

Eligibility:

• Requires a job offer from a US employer for a position that requires a specialized degree or its equivalent.
• Applicant must possess at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a specific field related to the position.

Specialty Occupation:
Position must meet one of the following criteria:

• Theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge.
• Attainment of a bachelor's or higher degree in the specific specialty (or its equivalent) as a minimum requirement for entry into the occupation.

Duration: Initially granted for up to three years, with extensions possible for a total stay of six years.

H-1B Cap: The H-1B classification has an annual numerical limit (cap) of 65,000 new statuses/visas each fiscal year. An additional 20,000 petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries with a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution of higher education are exempt from the cap. Additionally, H-1B workers who are petitioned for or employed at an institution of higher education or its affiliated or related nonprofit entities, a nonprofit research organization, or a government research organization, are not subject to this numerical cap.

Application Process: Requires filing Form I-129 with USCIS by the sponsoring employer, along with supporting evidence such as educational credentials, job description, and proof of employer-employee relationship. H-1B visa is eligible for Premium processing and can be adjudicated within 15 calendar days.

To determine if you qualify for H-1B, please contact our firm today. Our experienced immigration attorneys are ready to help you navigate the application process and ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.

Our team assists foreign national partners of U.S. citizens worldwide in obtaining K-1/K-2 and K-3/K-4 fiancé/ spouse visas, facilitating their journey to reunite in the United States.

K-1/K-2 Fiancé Visa

• The K-1 visa allows the foreign-citizen fiancé to travel to the U.S. and marry their U.S. citizen partner within 90 days of arrival.
• Accompanying children can obtain K-2 visas to accompany their parent to the United States.

K-3/K-4 Spouse Visa

• The K-3 nonimmigrant visa is for foreign-citizen spouses of U.S. citizens to shorten physical separation by awaiting immigrant visa petition approval in the U.S.
• Children of K-3 visa holders can apply for K-4 visas to join their parents.

Eligibility and Requirements for a Fiancé Visa

• The petitioning fiancé must be a U.S. citizen.
• Both fiancés must be single and provide proof of termination of any previous marriages.
• The couple must be eligible to marry under U.S. law, including same-sex couples.
• The U.S. citizen petitioner’s income must meet at least 100% of the HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines.
• The couple must have met in person at least once within the past two years.
• Foreign-citizen fiancé must attend a medical examination by a US consulate or embassy approved physician.
• Foreign-citizen fiancé must not be convicted of a serious crime.
• The relationship must be genuine and not entered into for immigration evasion purposes.

Our experienced lawyers guide clients through every step, from filing the I-129F petition to navigating the visa application and interview process, ensuring compliance with all fiancé visa requirements for a smooth transition to the United States.